Darkstone Code
Chapter 196 - 0194 Invisible Confrontation

Chapter 196: 0194 Invisible Confrontation

Lynch originally planned to stay in Bupen for a week, but he ended up staying there for eleven days. On the way back, he breathed a sigh of relief. The gains from this visit to Bupen were far more than what he had imagined before coming.

The gains were not from Herbert and his kind, especially Herbert himself. Such "ruthless" capitalists would sell everyone as long as they get enough profit!

Lynch heard some rumors about Herbert from other people, and in these rumors, this elegant gentleman had an unpleasant nickname—Dream Shredder.

Any company that he sets his sights on has a hard time escaping the fate of being dismembered.

In recent years, the overall downturn of the physical industry did not provide him many opportunities to showcase his skills, making his fame less prominent than before. But this is definitely not because he became tender-hearted; it’s simply because the returns didn’t meet the standard.

Such people are often cold-blooded, indifferent, and calm. They will objectively look at all matters, including those happening to themselves, and then choose an option that benefits them.

Don’t expect emotions or a little "alliance" to hold him down; he just wants to use these people.

Lynch’s real gain was the inspiration he got from the small printing business owner; bonds can transform into cash, and this method of assurance is very appealing to speculators like Lynch.

However, he also doesn’t trust that small owner. He will find out the details through other methods.

"Thanks for these hard few days." As the two just left the station, Lynch’s luxury car was already parked outside the station. He had notified the community service company in advance, and they drove his car to pick him up.

Vera shook her head, "To be honest, I also gained a lot, it was quite an interesting experience. Honestly, before, I didn’t know the content people there talk about could be so...," she couldn’t help but chuckle and chose a less intense word, "vulgar!"

Yes, in Vera’s impression, people in such upper-class social circles would discuss very formal things, from literary classics to world-renowned paintings, if not opera or jewelry.

But these ladies she met were not much different from the women in her current community; they always discussed eating, drinking, having fun, and were curious about the special relationship between Vera and Lynch.

At first, she refused, but refusal only drew more attention from other ladies. They passionately discussed how Vera kept Lynch "in check" and whether their night life was harmonious.

Some remarks were too blunt, making Vera feel embarrassed, but these ladies seemed accustomed to it, which was completely different from her imagination.

Actually, she didn’t understand, these ladies only retained their shiny exterior.

Most of their husbands are often not home, and as famous and wealthy capitalists, there are always people who throw themselves at them like moths to a flame. Whether you like it or not, some things happen regardless.

The fiery advances of various girls are hard for these men, especially those in their thirties and forties, to resist. They are in their prime.

Once they succumb the first time, there will be a second, and a third...

However, these men won’t divorce their wives, as that means dividing the assets. They also don’t want to hire a hitman to dispose of their wives, as that would lead to uncontrollable chaos.

Maintaining a marriage in form only is their choice; men indulge outside, and women won’t be so tame either.

The roles of driver, gardener, cook, young staff; as long as the joy circles don’t intersect, there won’t be significant issues, and they will play their own games.

This is why these women dare to discuss topics that make Vera blush; they have long been fearless.

Some say this void comes after amassing huge wealth; as for whether it is or not, who cares anyway, as long as there’s happiness, joy suffices.

The car started up slowly, Lynch’s gaze shifted from Vera to the roadside outside the car window. In just half a month, Sabin City’s situation has become very dire.

The influence of the financial upheaval has already affected Sabin City, increasing the numbers of jobless and homeless on the streets.

Because the financial market boomed not long ago, some small factory owners put the funds meant for daily operation into the stock market.

Investing in a stock yields higher returns than the profits from production and sales, so they lean more towards investing in stocks.

But the market crash obliterated these investments, leaving them penniless, unable to pay factory wages, forcing them to apply for bankruptcy.

All assets entered into liquidation process, land reclaimed by the government, workers took to the streets.

The sight on the street at this moment seems to have regressed decades or hundreds of years, exuding a sense of oppressive gloom everywhere.

The car first stopped outside the community where Vera resides; this once vibrant Middle-class Community also seems to have lost its vitality, the booth has no Security Guard in sight, the barrier serving as a gatekeeper raised, allowing vehicles to enter and exit freely.

Lynch originally intended to drop Vera off at the entrance, but after assessing the situation, he had no choice but to instruct the driver to drive inside.

Ever since they entered the gate, Lynch continuously saw seven or eight houses with "For Sale" signs, and the straightforward and memorable phone number made it clear at first glance that these properties currently belonged to the bank.

The car slowly came to a stop outside Vera’s house, and some of the residents who had yet to move out glanced over from their windows. They then saw the driver, Vera, and a young, handsome youth.

"Come in for a cup of coffee..." It was still broad daylight, and considering that Lynch had dropped her off right at her doorstep, it seemed rude not to extend an invitation.

Lynch was just about to decline; entering in full view of everyone seemed a bit inappropriate. Unexpectedly, the door opened first.

Gap stood behind the door, his expression unreadable, and after about two or three seconds, a smile finally appeared on his face. "This must be Mr. Lynch. Please come in and sit down!"

After the two exchanged glances for a few seconds, Lynch changed his mind, nodded, and agreed.

The curious or malicious stares from behind those glass windows gradually retracted, and Lynch walked into the room.

This was a very typical house belonging to a middle-class family, with a large carpet as soon as one entered the living room, followed by an ivory white leather sofa set. This sofa and carpet decoration had almost become a hallmark of an era, a very typical interior design style.

It actually came from the once-popular TV series "Middle-class Family." It seemed to follow the belief that such a style could instantly elevate a family’s social status, so much so that even today, these styles haven’t changed and are deeply loved by middle-class families.

Gap accompanied Lynch to sit down, while Vera went to change clothes and serve drinks and pastries to the two men. Gap started to assert his status as the head of the family, "The first time I heard Vera had a job, I thought it was just a way for her to pass the time. It’s not good to be cooped up at home all the time."

He chuckled as he spoke, "I never expected that in the blink of an eye she would become an office manager, supervising some people. This truly exceeded my expectations."

"I know very well how capable she is, and I’m thankful to you for giving her this opportunity."

Though these words seemed harmless, Lynch sensed an underlying warning from Gap between the lines, reminding Lynch that Vera was his wife.

This was a very subtle warning. He used the notion that "he didn’t believe Vera could handle her current job" as a starting point, suggesting with facts that Lynch’s decision to give Vera her current job stemmed from his own greed towards her.

After hearing this, Lynch laughed nonchalantly, "I never underestimate anyone, whether they’re a man, woman, elderly, or child."

"As long as this person has aspirations and courage, he/she/it has the right to pursue their dreams. She’s your wife, Mr. Gap."

Lynch made a small retort, indicating that Gap shouldn’t belittle his own wife in such a manner. Gap hadn’t expected his veiled accusation, which he hadn’t anticipated Lynch would understand, to provoke a counterattack, though equally subtle.

He didn’t immediately respond, but watched Lynch instead.

It’s undeniable that Lynch possessed everything that Gap, and indeed the vast majority of men, envied and were jealous of.

He was very young; his tall and slim figure was still rare in today’s society. He was also very handsome, which was the most vexing aspect because it’s something effort can’t change.

He was also very wealthy, which was even more disheartening. Friends in Bupen had mentioned Lynch, and that was also the reason for Gap’s current displeasure.

In Bupen, people thought of his wife and Lynch as a couple, which made him very angry.

However, the anger of a civilized person differs from that of a savage. A civilized person’s anger considers many factors, such as the law, the class gap between us, social status, and the actual strength of both parties, and then chooses a way to vent the anger that won’t be too humiliating.

Savages are different; they would just take a swing immediately.

Gap was such a civilized person. Although he really wanted to punch Lynch, he knew exactly what the consequences and costs of doing so would be. He prepared to speak while glancing at Lynch, when Vera came over with a tray, interrupting the conversation between them.

"What are you two talking about?" she asked, as she set out the tea utensils and pastries for them.

Gap placed a hand on Vera’s waist as if making a declaration of his ownership, "Nothing much, just some casual chatter."

Vera looked at Lynch, not believing that the two men would stealthily converse here merely casually, but Lynch nodded in agreement, "We were just discussing the lead actress of the latest movie release, and Mr. Gap and I share somewhat similar opinions."

Then she looked at Gap, who was unsure of what this was about but had to nod at this moment, "That’s right!"

Vera pursed her lips and smiled slightly. She was certain Gap was being played, but she wasn’t angry, "I heard it’s an adult-rated movie..."

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